Frequently Asked Questions

Parking in Fareham Town Centre

Fareham Parking Enforcement

From Monday 2nd April 2007 Fareham Borough Council became responsible for enforcing on-street parking in the borough.  Questions and answers have been prepared and should give you more information about how this may affect you as a driver in the borough.

Your Guide to Easy Parking in Fareham

An image of Fareham Borough Council: Car Parking logo

Pay on Foot

In three of Fareham Borough Council's town centre car parks, a fairer pay system has been introduced, meaning that motorists no longer need to estimate how long they wish to park. The 'Pay On Foot' system has been installed in the town's Osborn Road and Civic Way multi storey car parks and also in the new Market Quay surface car park.

The car parks have been equipped with a system which provides a ticket at the entrance barrier. The ticket is retained by the motorist, who upon their return to the car park, pays at the paystations. The machine gives back the ticket, which is used at the automatic exit barrier upon leaving the car park. At the barrier there is a voice link to the control room, should assistance be needed. Ticket machines are fully automated and can provide change. The barrier system does not allow entry to the car park unless spaces are available.

All the Council's other town centre car parks will continue to operate a 'Pay and Display' system.

The procedure for the Pay on Foot system is as follows:

  1. Take ticket at entry barrier. The barrier does not allow access unless parking space is available
  2. Park as usual and carry your ticket with you
  3. Pay at the ticket machine in the pedestrian entrance before returning to your car to leave. Ticket machines accept coins and notes and give change. A receipt can also be requested
  4. Drive with your ticket to the exit barrier
  5. You cannot pay at the exit barrier
  6. Lost tickets will be charged at the maximum daily rate. If in doubt, please ask for help

For more information contact Parking Services section 9am - 5pm

In all other car parks:

  1. Find space and park car. Follow signs to nearest pay machine
  2. Insert coin(s) to amount required. Details of charges are on the pay machine
  3. Allow coin(s) to register on display
  4. Press 'ticket issue' button
  5. Affix ticket to the front windscreen, making sure it is clearly displayed. Season tickets are available in some car parks
  6. Return to your vehicle before your ticket expires to avoid being issued with a Penalty Charge Notice

Car Parking for Disabled Blue Badge Holders

Blue Badge holders can park free in the majority of the Council's car parks, provided the Blue Badge is clearly displayed in the parked vehicle.  The exceptions are the three Pay on Foot car parks, where Blue Badge holders are required to pay.  Blue Badge holders who are Borough residents can apply to the Council for a swipe card allowing free entry and exit to the Pay on Foot car parks.

To apply for a swipe card

Bring in your blue badge to the Customer Service Centre on the ground floor of the Civic Offices, you will also need to bring along some proof of address.  Items we will accept as proof of address are:

  • A utility/mobile phone bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months
  • A Doctors prescription dated within the last 3 months
  • An official letter from an agency e.g. the Council, Inland Revenue, Benefits Agency etc... dated within the last 3 months
  • We do not accept driver's licenses, personal letters, or proof of address in your partner's name.

To replace a lost swipe card

Come into the Customer Service Centre at the Civic Offices with proof of address (see guidelines above), there will be a charge of £10 that will need to be paid at the cash office.

To renew a swipe card

This is when you get issued with a new blue badge.  You will need to bring in your old swipe card, your new blue badge and proof of address (see guidelines above).

Pay and Display

Some of Fareham Borough Council town centre car parks still operate with a pay and display system. A ticket with sufficient time to cover your stay should be purchased from one of the ticket vending machines and attached to the inside of the front windscreen of the vehicle. These ticket machines do not give change.

Choosing the right parking area

Shopping

The multi-storey car parks at Osborn Road [1] and Civic Way [2] provide the most convenient locations for direct covered access to the indoor shopping centre. Market Quay car park [12] is now open and provides convenient access to the new Market Quay development and to the southern side of the Fareham Shopping Centre.

Those shoppers visiting shops at the western end of the town may prefer to use the long-stay car parks at the Gillies [17], Holy Trinity Church [19] or the short-stay at Malthouse Lane [10].

Shops at the eastern end or in High Street may be better served by the Lysses [18] long-stay car park.

Work and business

The long-stay car parks on the town's periphery provide the most economical parking for long visits (over four hours). Lysses [18] and Bath Lane [14] for the eastern end, and Gillies [17], Holy Trinity Church [19], and Osborn Road and Youth Centre [15] & [16] for the western end.

Leisure and entertainment

The Leisure Centre in Park Lane has its own car park (subject to a three hour limit), and visitors to the Ferneham Hall and Library will find the Ferneham Hall [3] and Ferneham Hall (Clinic) [4] surface car parks, and the multi-storey at Osborn Road [1] convenient.

Visitors to the Museum and Tourist Information Centre will find Market Quay [12] most convenient.

Health

The Health Centre and Clinic are best served by the Ferneham Hall [3] and Ferneham Hall (Clinic)[4] surface car parks. The multi-storey at Osborn Road [1] should be used if these are full.

Government

Visitors to the Civic Offices and the Social Services will find the public surface car park in Civic Way [5] and [6] and the multi-storey in Civic Way [2] most convenient.

Courts

Visitors to the Magistrates Court may use the adjacent short-stay car park at Trinity Street [9], or for longer stays, the long-stay car park at Osborn Road West [15].

Police

The small short-stay car park at Quay Street [11] and Market Quay [12] are most convenient for the police station.

Motorcycles

Solo motorcycles may park free of charge in any of the areas within car parks [3], [5], [12] and [17] specifically marked for motorcycle use. In particular there is a very convenient area with security rails reserved for motorcycle parking only, adjacent to the Ferneham Hall car park [3].

Disabled parking

There are a large number of conveniently situated bays reserved for disabled badge holders throughout the town. The main areas are in the two multi-storey car parks [1] & [2] where lifts and covered direct access to the indoor shopping centre is provided.

Coaches

Coaches must park at the Leisure Centre car park where spaces are provided for coach parking.

Lorries

There are no areas in the town centre for the parking of vehicles exceeding 30cwt unladen weight. These vehicles may use the lorry parking areas provided at Portchester (precinct), and Stubbington Community Centre.

For more information

Please contact: Parking Manager
Fareham Borough Council,
Civic Offices, Civic Way,
Fareham PO16 7AZ

Telephone: 01329 236100

E-mail: parkingservices@fareham.gov.uk

or

Fareham Town Manager
Telephone: 01329 236100
E-mail: towncentre@fareham.gov.uk

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will a Resident's parking permit cost?
£40 per annum. (Free for applicants who are disabled and holders of an blue badge.)

How many Resident's parking permits can I purchase?
2 Annuals (Except for High Street where only 1 may be purchased)

What if I decide not to purchase a Resident's parking permit but change my mind later?
A permit may be purchased at any time when the office is open to issue them. However please be advised that at least 7 days notice is required for processing an application. At the beginning of the month and They are valid for either is valid for either three months or one year. Please note that for new permits you will need to provide copies of the following documentation when you apply: - Registration Document - Recent Household Bill (date within the last 3 months) - Drivers Licence or Passport

Where can I park if I purchase a Resident's permit?
Anywhere on the lengths of road or scheme designed for residents'' parking as stated on the permit.

Can my friends or visitors use my Resident's permit?
No, the permit will be specific to the vehicle belonging to the resident of the area, but the resident is able to purchase 24 hr visitor scratch card permits for friends and visitors to display.

During what hours will the Resident's Parking Scheme operate?
Please refer to the signs relating to each residents parking scheme as hours may vary.

Who enforces the Resident's Parking Scheme?
Civil Enforcement Officers.

What happens if I move house and have purchased a Permit?
You may be entitled to a refund only on full months calculated at the Quarterly Rate from the date the request was received at the Parking Services Department

How can I find out more about the scheme?
For current resident permit holders or for enquiries requesting a new resident parking schemes please contact parkingservices@fareham.gov.uk or call 01329 236100.

Can I complete an application form for a Permit?
A Residents Permit Application Form (36Kb) for a Permit is available, alternatively please contact parkingservices@fareham.gov.uk or call 01329 236100.

Can I buy a season ticket?
Annual and quarterly season tickets are available for long stay car parks only. Please complete and send the Season Ticket Application Form (222 Kb) to the Parking Services Department.

Where can I park if I am a disabled badge holder?
There are a large number of conveniently situated bays reserved for disabled badge holders, throughout the town. Blue Badge holders can park free in all pay and display car parks, only if the Blue Badge is clearly displayed in the parked vehicle, with the expiry date facing upwards. The exceptions are the Pay on Foot car parks, where Blue Badge holders are required to pay. Blue Badge holders who are Borough residents can apply to the Council for a swipe card allowing free entry and exit to the Pay on Foot car parks.

Where can I park my motorbike?
Solo motorcycles may park free of charge in any of the areas within the car parks specifically marked for motorcycle use. If there is no are specifically marked for motorcycles (sometimes indicated by m/c) then you may park in other marked bays that are not otherwise restricted, for example you could not park in a Disabled Bay.

Why do I have to pay for parking?
You have to pay for parking in any car park in the town centre. In addition to raising income to pay for maintenance of existing and provision of new car parks, charges also ensure an adequate turnover of parking spaces for shoppers and short term visitors. If the Council did not charge, the cost of maintenance would fall on Council Tax payers and car park visitors would make no contribution.

Why don't you pay for the car parks' maintenance with savings you would make if you no longer needed to employ Enforcement staff?
Even if parking was free, patrolling would still be required to provide a regular supply of convenient parking spaces for shoppers. A maximum period of waiting would need to be introduced, and this, together with other regulations would still need to be enforced. Enforcement staff also act as a deterrent to crime.

Why don't you provide change machines?
Change machines are an inviting target for theft. The very nature of the machines requires that they be full of cash at all times. No cash is left in ticket machines overnight. The Council may consider introducing a scheme for payment by cards. Change is provided in the Pay on Foot car park payment machines, Osborn Road Multi Storey Car Park and Market Quay Car Park.

Why don't I get a refund if I pay for an hour and only stay for five minutes?
The charging structure is such that any stay up to one hour is the same charge. The Council is very aware of the competition from "out of town" shopping stores and neighbouring local authorities and these factors are borne in mind when setting the parking fees.

Why can't I pick someone up and drop someone off in the car parks?
You can, but you must comply with the parking regulations by stopping in a marked bay and purchasing a parking ticket. The car parks are provided for the off-street parking of vehicles. If casual setting down/picking up were to be allowed, congestion would cause delays and frustration to car park users.

Why do you insist on the ticket being stuck to the windscreen?
A ticket on the dashboard can turn over when the car door is closed. If stuck on a side window and it falls it will disappear from view. If stuck on the windscreen just above the dashboard, it will probably still be visible to the Enforcement Officer on the dashboard should it fall. For further information on parking in Fareham Town Centre or for any other details please contact the Parking Department in the Department of Regulatory Services on tel: 01329 236100 ext: 2355 or e-mail parkingservices@fareham.gov.uk.

What is Fareham Parking Enforcement?
Since 2 April 2007 Fareham Borough Council have been responsible for enforcing traffic regulations such as limited waiting, double or single yellow lines, no stopping at bus stops. Previously the responsibility for enforcing these lay with the police and was carried out by traffic wardens. Other regulations will remain under the jurisdiction of the police – such as moving traffic offences – one way streets, turning bans, speeding restrictions on driving, endorsable offences, parking on zigzag lines, obstruction of highways, accesses, footways. The Fareham Parking Enforcement Service covers the management and enforcement of both on and off street parking throughout the Borough. The service is delivered in line with the Parking Enforcement Policy that sets out the main principles for enforcement associated with the delivery of this service.

What does the Parking Service consist of?
There are currently eleven Civil Enforcement Officers in the team (including one Supervisor and three Team Leaders). Civil Enforcement Officers work a shift system as enforcement takes place seven days a week; this does include evening and Bank Holiday patrols. The members of this team will be able to issue a Penalty Charge Notice to any vehicle which contravenes a restriction.

If I receive a Penalty Charge Notice, what will the process be?
CEOs will only issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) if a vehicle has contravened the regulations in place. These will be served and placed on the front windscreen of the vehicle, handed to the driver or sent through the post, for more details please see the Traffic Management Act 2004 page. Penalty Charge Notices will be either £70 or £50 depending on the level of contravention (which would be indicated on the Notice) and must be paid within 28 days. A 50% discount will be granted if paid within 14 days. There are several payment options, by cheque, online, on the automated telephone service, or personally at the Cash Office at the Civic Offices and these are outlined on the rear of the Penalty Charge Notice. There is obviously a right to appeal and this must be done by completing the PCN Challenge Form, this can be sent in by post or via e-mail to parkingservices@fareham.gov.uk. This should include PCN number, full name and address and any supporting documents, for example, invoice, delivery note or copy of Blue Badge showing the serial number and expiry date. In most cases the discount period will be reset if an appeal is made within 14 days of the date of issue of the PCN. Unresolved disputes are settled through the Traffic Penalty Tribunal. This is an independent tribunal body based in Manchester. It is important to note a Penalty Charge is a civil debt and non-payment will be pursued by Fareham Borough Council through the County Court system. Non-payment could ultimately lead to bailiff action. For more information on how to Appeal please see the following links: - www.patrol-uk.info (this is an external hyperlink) or www.trafficpenaltytribunal.gov.uk (this is an external hyperlink).

Does this mean that the Council will review its position on resident's parking schemes?
Yes, but not immediately. The Council is preparing a Fareham Town Centre Parking Strategy, which will consider the opportunities for introducing residents’ parking schemes in the vicinity of the town centre, where there is a high incidence of commuter or shopper parking. Any subsequent schemes that are introduced would need to be self-financing, and be informed by the initial period of operating the new enforcement regime.

Can I park outside a school to pick up/drop off my child(ren)?
Parking outside schools should be discouraged for the safety of the children. Zig zag markings at the entrance to some schools mean drivers must not stop, even to drop off or pick up. The Civil Enforcement Officers will enforce this regulation by serving Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs), either by placing the PCN on the vehicle, handing it to the driver, or sending the PCN through the post. The police can also enforce these regulations as parking outside schools is an endorsable offence, which will incur penalty points on the driving licence.

Is it possible to park on verges to keep out of the way of passing traffic?
Vehicles parking on verges and pavements are becoming an increasing problem throughout the Borough - it is contrary to the Highways Act, can often be an obstruction to other users of the highway and if there are double yellow lines it is an offence under the Road Traffic Regulation Act, resulting in the issue of a parking ticket. Parking on verges may also damage public ultilities plant in the verge or may leave unsightly or hazardous ruts. Motorists should therefore not park on verges. Fareham Borough Council is not an enforcing authority for verge and pavement parking and reports should be made to the police non-emergency number 0845 045 4545. The Council has introduced Traffic Regulation Orders making parking on verges in certain streets in the borough an offence, as part of an on-going programme. For more information contact: tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail: traffic@fareham.gov.uk

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How to get here

Fareham Borough Council, Civic Offices, Civic Way, Hampshire, PO16 7AZ

Tel: +44 (0)1329 236100 | Mobile Text/Photo: 07876 131415 | Fax: +44 (0)1329 821770